If you search for ratchet and clank, you quickly notice something confusing. Some results talk about a long-running video game series. Others mention clank, deck building, or even a clank board game. Then there are unfamiliar terms like igre zulu, zulu igre, brzdek, or klong that appear in regional listings.
This guide clears it up in plain language. We’ll start by going through the ratchet and clank games in order so you know where to start. Then we’ll explain what Clank means in tabletop gaming, how deck building mechanics work, and why these names overlap. Think of this as one practical hub: timeline, mechanics, comparisons, and beginner advice in one place — no bouncing between pages.
What is Ratchet and Clank?
At its core, Ratchet and Clank is a third-person action platformer series built around fast movement, gadgets, and over-the-top weapons. You control Ratchet, a mechanic with a wrench, and Clank, a small robot companion.
It’s mission-based, story-driven, and focused on shooting, exploration, and upgrades. Not cards. Not tabletop play. Definitely not deck building gameplay.
That’s important because many new players see the word “Clank” and assume it’s connected to the board game. It isn’t.
The ratchet and clank series belongs to video games only — consoles, campaigns, characters, and set-piece battles. When people search for a game series order or franchise timeline, they usually want to know how the story flows or which title to play first.
In short:
- Genre → action platformer
- Format → video game
- Structure → missions, levels, weapons, upgrades
Ratchet and Clank Games in Order
Here’s the part most players want: the correct order of ratchet and clank games. There are two common ways to approach it: release order and chronological order. Both work, but they feel slightly different.
Release Order
Playing by release order lets you experience the evolution of mechanics and design naturally.
- Ratchet and Clank
- Going Commando
- Up Your Arsenal
- Deadlocked
- Tools of Destruction
- A Crack in Time
- Into the Nexus
- Reimagined Ratchet & Clank
- Rift Apart
This official order list mirrors how longtime fans grew with the series. Weapons get crazier, movement gets smoother, and storytelling improves over time.
Chronological Order
If you prefer pure narrative flow, the chronological order is very similar but focuses on story placement rather than launch dates.
For most players, the difference is small. Still, a quick timeline table helps newcomers avoid jumping into the middle accidentally.
If you want deeper dives, you can explore our internal game order guide and individual reviews for each entry. Those pages break down missions, characters, and gameplay style in more detail.
What is Clank? (Board Game Explained)
Now we switch gears. Clank — by itself — refers to a board game, not the video game franchise. It’s commonly described as a deck building strategy game. The experience is tabletop, competitive, and card-based.
That’s where deck building mechanics come in. In this system, every player starts with a small, weak deck. During the game, you acquire better cards that change your options. Over time, your deck becomes more efficient or specialized. That’s the core of deck building gameplay: build while you play.
Deck building mechanics
- draw cards
- generate actions or resources
- buy stronger cards
- improve future turns
It’s strategic, slower, and tactical — very different from the reflex-heavy action of Ratchet and Clank. If you’re curious about deeper tactics, we have a deck building explained article that covers probability, synergy, and planning.
Strategy basics
Noise (the “clank”) often triggers dangers in the game world. The more reckless you play, the more trouble you invite. So there’s a clear cause–effect relationship: speed vs safety.
That’s what makes it feel like a strategy game, not an action shooter. For official rules and editions, you can check the publisher’s reference page or community resources like BoardGameGeek (helpful for learning mechanics and expansions).
Clank Naming Variations (International/Local Terms)
This is where things get interesting. In some regions and languages, board or tabletop games use alternative terms. You may see:
- igre zulu
- zulu igre
- brzdek
- klong
These often function as local names or onomatopoeic variations related to the sound-based theme of “clank.” They’re not separate franchises. Instead, they’re naming differences, translations, or regional tags for similar tabletop experiences.
If you encounter these terms while browsing stores or community sites, it doesn’t mean you’ve discovered a hidden Ratchet title. They almost always relate to the Clank board game or a comparable deck building format.
Understanding these labels helps avoid confusion, especially when shopping internationally.
Ratchet & Clank vs Clank Board Game – Key Differences
Let’s compare directly. People often ask, “Is clank a board game or video game?” The answer depends on context.
Ratchet and Clank (video game):
- real-time action
- characters and missions
- weapons and gadgets
- console/PC play
Clank (board game):
- tabletop format
- cards and tokens
- deck building system
- turn-based strategy
They share a word. That’s it.
So if you’re researching the best starting point for ratchet and clank, choose the video game timeline above. If you’re curious about how deck building works in clank, start with the tabletop rules.
We also maintain comparison posts inside our Game category, like a broader board vs video game guides piece that explains mechanics differences across genres.
For verified franchise details, it’s useful to reference the official PlayStation information pages. Those provide trusted background and support EEAT by grounding facts in primary sources.
Which One Should You Start With?
It really depends on what kind of experience you want.
If you like:
- fast combat
- cinematic missions
- characters and story arcs
Start with Ratchet and Clank in release order.
If you prefer:
- slow strategy
- planning ahead
- building combos
Try Clank, the deck building game. There’s no wrong answer. They simply scratch different itches. Many players actually enjoy both: console sessions for action, tabletop nights for tactics.
Conclusion
The overlap in names can feel messy at first. But once you separate the entities, it’s straightforward.
Ratchet and Clank → action video game franchise.
Clank → tabletop deck building strategy game.
Different mechanics. Different expectations. Now you have the franchise timeline, the board game mechanics, and the terminology explained in one place. That should save you from clicking five tabs just to figure out what you’re actually looking for — and hopefully help you pick the right game for tonight.
FAQs
What is the correct order of ratchet and clank games?
Play them in release order for the smoothest progression, or chronological order for strict story flow. Both work well.
Is clank a board game or video game?
Clank by itself is a board game. Ratchet and Clank is the video game franchise.
How does deck building work in clank?
You start with weak cards and gradually add stronger ones, shaping your strategy as the game unfolds.
What do brzdek or klong mean in board gaming?
They’re regional or language variations connected to the Clank concept, not separate games.
Are igre zulu and zulu igre game categories?
They’re naming or classification terms often used locally for tabletop or board games, sometimes tied to Clank-style play.